Indian Oil Corporation has developed an indigenous technology that can double LPG production in refineries, Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said on Thursday.
"IOC has developed INDMAX process technology which has been patented for maximization of LPG production in refineries. This technology can double the LPG yield as compared to existing Catalytic Cracking Technology," he said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
INDMAX technology can be implemented in grassroot refinery project as well as in refineries installing new Catalytic Cracking Units.
"It is operational at Guwahati refinery since June 2003. It has also been selected for Paradip Refinery (of IOC)
and Bongaigaon Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd," he said.
The expected LPG production from Paradip Refinery is 0.90 million tonnes a year and from BRPL 0.226 million tonnes per annum on commissioning these units.
They are expected to go on stream in 2010-11. India is currently deficit in LPG production and needs to import the cooking fuel to meet demand.
"At the end of the 11th Plan period (2012), the overall availability of LPG in the country is projected to be almost equal to the estimated demand. This is on account of the refining capacity expansion as well as installation of INDMAX technology units," the minister said.
INDMAX technology can also produce propylene, butylene and ethylene which can be utilised for petrochemical production.
